Summer poses with three awards she won at the American Music Awards: favorite female vocalist; favorite single record, "Last Dance"; and favorite album "Live and More" in a newly created disco category. less

Summer poses with three awards she won at the American Music Awards: favorite female vocalist; favorite single record, "Last Dance"; and favorite album "Live and More" in a newly created disco ... more

Photo: AP

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Donna Summer was born LaDonna Adrian Gaines in 1948.

Donna Summer was born LaDonna Adrian Gaines in 1948.

Photo: photo courtesy Ravinia

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Donna Summer had fans in glitter-ball heaven with her first major tour in years back in 2004.

Donna Summer had fans in glitter-ball heaven with her first major tour in years back in 2004.

Summer wrote "Ordinary Girl ... Donna Summer" and had released a CD of her greatest hits titled "The Journey -The Very Best of Donna Summer."

Summer wrote "Ordinary Girl ... Donna Summer" and had released a CD of her greatest hits titled "The Journey -The Very Best of Donna Summer."

Photo: AP

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She performed dance hits during the '90s.

She performed dance hits during the '90s.

Photo: Alice S. Hall / NBC

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This 1978 film starred Donna Summer and Jeff Goldblum.

This 1978 film starred Donna Summer and Jeff Goldblum.

Photo: AP

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Donna Summer performing during a benefit in New York City on January 9, 1979.

Donna Summer performing during a benefit in New York City on January 9, 1979.

Photo: AP

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The singer dances in a leopard-print dress during a performance in 1979.

The singer dances in a leopard-print dress during a performance in 1979.

Photo: AP

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Summer holds her award at the Billboard Number 1 Music Awards in 1977.

Summer holds her award at the Billboard Number 1 Music Awards in 1977.

Photo: AP

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Composer Paul Jabara wrote her Grammy-winning hit, "Last Dance."

Composer Paul Jabara wrote her Grammy-winning hit, "Last Dance."

Photo: AP

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Donna Summer dies at age 63

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The Queen of Disco Donna Summer died Thursday morning. She was 63.

Summer, whose pulsing anthems such as “Last Dance,” ”Love to Love You Baby” and “Bad Girls” became the soundtrack for a glittery age of sex, drugs, dance and flashy clothes, had been trying to continue making music while keeping her lung cancer a secret, TMZ reported.

“We spoke to someone who was with Summer a couple of weeks ago … who says she didn’t seem too bad,” TMZ said. “In fact, we’re told she was focused on trying to finish up an album she had been working on. ”

Summer gained prominence during the disco era of the 1970s, and released a number of albums that have reach gold or platinum status, including the multiplatinum “Bad Girls” and “On the Radio, Volume I & II.” Her No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 hits include “Hot Stuff” and “MacArthur Park.”

Her sound was a mix of genres, and helped her earn Grammy Awards in the dance, rock, R&B and inspirational categories.

She released her last album, “Crayons,” in 2008. She also performed on “American Idol” that year with its top female contestants. Her last single, “To Paris with Love,” topped the U.S. dance chart in 2010.

Her family released a statement Thursday saying Summer died and that they “are at peace celebrating her extraordinary life and her continue legacy.” Summer was reportedly in Florida when she died.